Prayer School-4-The Elijah Prayer

We continue our mid week Prayer School. tonight we learn about The Elijah Prayer.

Pastor's Notes:

The Prayer Of Elijah
TEXT
James 5:17-18 NKJV
17 Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth produced its fruit.
INTRODUCTION
Good evening, everyone!
I’m so glad that you’re here tonight! I hope you’ve been enjoying our study on prayer. This will be my last Wednesday night with you for a couple weeks. Hang with us, because I have asked the Weaver family, who were missionaries and pastors to a church in Germany, to handle Wednesday night for me while I’m out.
I’ve just asked them to minister whatever is on their hearts, so I can’t wait to tune in on the podcast and listen while I’m out.
Last week, we covered why we pray “in Jesus name”, and tonight, we are going to look at one of the great heroes of the faith—Elijah.

Elijah was a powerful man of God, and there are some principles we can learn from his life concerning prayer.
ILLUSTRATION
As I have mentioned before, there are several different types of prayer. We have intercession, declaration, worship, thanksgiving, petition, praying in the Spirit, etc.
All of them have their place in the larger scheme of things. However, no matter when we pray, we must never lack faith and passion!
That’s what Elijah had.
BACKGROUND
Elijah, whose name means “Yahweh is God”, was a prophet who helped Judaism and the worship of God to be saved from Baal worship.
His ministry was in the northern kingdoms of Israel during the reigns of King Ahab and Ahaziah.
He was a man of great boldness concerning the things of God.
APPLICATION

Elijah declared the will of God with boldness.

- When it says “And Elijah prayed earnestly…….”, if you look at 1 Kings 17:1, it doesn’t say that he prayed at all. He actually decreed or declared it.
- It’s really no different than someone saying “In the name of Jesus, I command you to get up and walk.”.
- You and I can declare the Word with boldness as well when we pray!

Elijah prayed for God sized prayers.

- The rain ceasing and starting
- The raising of the widow’s son
- Calling down fire from Heaven
- NOTE: Are your prayers “safe” prayers? Or, are your prayers bold and daring?

Elijah’s prayers pointed back to God.

- He often cried out to the God “of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob”.
- Why? He knows God is about covenant.
- Honestly, this would be the Old Testament way of “praying in the name of Jesus.”

Elijah prayed until he saw the answer.

- He prayed until the fire fell. He declared and the rain came. He prayed until life was in the boys body.
- When we pray, we should also pray with expectation.

CONCLUSION